The tracks, rollers, hinges and springs of your garage doors face significant stress and will need the most frequent lubrication. In general, all moving parts (i.e. garage door springs, rollers, hinges etc.) will need lubrication often – every three months or possibly more with heavy use or in some climates.
Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your garage door springs. Here's how to maintain them and know when professional help is needed. Apply Lubrication Regularly: Lubricating your garage door springs helps reduce friction and noise.
It's very important to lubricate all of the moving parts in your garage door every six months. This extends the lifespan of your door and also keeps it quiet. If you live in a harsh environment (e.g. near the coast), you should lubricate your door more frequently.
There's no need to use too much of it – a single spray should be enough. Open and close your garage door to see if the garage door hinges are still making noises and apply additional lubrication as needed. If there's still a noise coming from them, you might need to replace your garage door hinges.
The best way to keep your garage door springs lasting throughout the years is to lubricate them 1-2 times annually with either white lithium or silicone-based spray. These can easily be found at a local hardware store.
When properly installed, your springs can last approximately 10,000 cycles. One cycle includes both the opening and closing of the door. Technically speaking, your springs should last between 7 to 10 years. However, this depends on how often you use your garage door.
Silicone: Silicone lubricant is the ultimate solution for garage door maintenance. Formulated with high-quality silicone oil, it excels in providing long-lasting, all-weather lubrication that keeps garage doors running smoothly and quietly.
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $200 and $1000 for the average spring replacement (NEVER PAY OVER $1000 UNLESS YOU HAVE CONFIRMED THE PRICE WITH OTHER REPUTABLE COMPANIES).
Though many factors contribute to a garage door's lifespan, a typical garage door will last around 15 and 30 years. Your garage door's lifetime will vary depending on the type and brand you choose. Factors like the weather, environment, usage and maintenance schedule also impact the longevity of your garage door.
The hinges, rollers, and springs of your garage door see a lot of action. They need a lubricant that can stand up to heavy use and provide long-lasting protection. WD-40 doesn't cut it. It attracts dirt and dust, which can cause the tracks to get tacky and put extra strain on the opener.
An average technician's fee for garage door maintenance is about $85. Their services will include: Checking, lubricating, and tightening screws and hinges as needed. This costs about $5.
Clean the outside of the garage door at least once a year, or more frequently if you live in a salt-air climate. Wash the door with a soft sponge or cloth and a cleaner appropriate for the surface, then thoroughly rinse the door with a hose. For wood doors, wipe them with a dry, soft cloth.
TIPS TO INCREASE THE SPRING LIFESPAN
Applying a lubricant twice a year (or more, depending on how often the doors are used) prevents rust formation and allows the doors to open and close smoothly. Lithium and silicone lubricants are the most common and effective for different garage door types.
Faulty, Obstructed or Dirty Sensors
One of the most common reasons for a garage door that won't close is faulty or dirty sensors. Your garage door sensors are located near the bottom of your garage door, approximately 6 inches above the ground. They face each other and send signals across the garage door width.
The tracks, rollers, hinges and springs of your garage doors face significant stress and will need the most frequent lubrication. In general, all moving parts (i.e. garage door springs, rollers, hinges etc.) will need lubrication often – every three months or possibly more with heavy use or in some climates.
Most garage door companies will offer a better price if you choose to replace both springs at the same time, so as far as cost is concerned replacing both springs is often a smart long-term financial move but it is not necessary if you prefer a lower cost up-front.
We have a full range of garage door parts, such as brackets, locks, springs and cables, available at Lowe's.
Visible Wear and Tear on Springs
Routine inspections of your garage door torsion springs can identify signs of wear and tear. If you notice any visible damage like cracks, gaps, or rust on the springs, this is a good indication that they should be replaced right away.
Our research shows that the non-silicon spray — such as a petroleum-based lubricant — is the best option with 53% more oil. White petroleum garage door grease is the standard lubricant for metal parts because it preserves the integrity of garage door components and has weather-resistance capabilities.
With all the angled panels of modern garage doors, spraying a garage door with a paint sprayer is quicker and easier than brushing or rolling and is the best way to get a professional, smooth, even finish.